JEDDAH, 2 April 2008 — The Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with Jeddah-based Hemaya Universal (HU), which is expected to step up consumer protection strategies in the Islamic and Arab countries and spread awareness among consumers in the Islamic World.
Under the agreement, the two sides will exchange information and experience, and hold sessions and symposiums to support scientific and social initiatives against counterfeit and piracy. The MoU was signed by Sheikh Saleh Kamel, ICCI chairman, and Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Hamdan, HU chairman.
The Arab League and ICCI, in association with HU, are also organizing the First Arab Consumer and Brand Protection Forum in Jeddah on Oct. 19-21 this year. The event is being supported by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of Makkah region.
The forum aims to raise public awareness on the dangers of counterfeit products and make recommendations for an effective fight against piracy by sharing expertise with relevant international organizations.
Kamel stressed the importance of activating the private sector in the effort to find solutions to the problems and challenges facing the Arab and Islamic countries.
“Since the private sector’s role in preventing counterfeit and protecting consumers will have a positive impact on the economies of the Arab and Islamic countries, ICCI has agreed with Hemaya Universal to cooperate in promoting awareness on how counterfeit products put the health and safety of consumers at risk,” said Kamel.